PTSD could cause clogged arteries

November 17, 2010 12:00:00 AM PST

LOS ANGELES --

Post traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder, but it can also contribute to clogged arteries.A recent UCLA study looked at heart scans from 637 veterans and researchers found that both men and women with PTSD had more calcium buildup in their arteries versus veterans who didn't suffer from PTSD.

The risk was even higher when experts accounted for other factors, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.